SELF-EMPLOYMENT/LAVORO AUTONOMO
The requirements for this type of visa are slightly different according to the typology of self-employment.
Documents check-list for all the categories listed below – Please make sure you include even all the other documentation required for each different typology
- Visa Application Form (1 to 90 days)
Visa Application Form (91 to 365 days)
Please notice that all the names appearing on the passport must appear on the application form (all data must match those on the passport). The form must be dated and signed in front of a Visa Officer; - Recent passport-size photograph, on white background, full face and front view, stapled/glued to the application form. Scanned or photocopied photos will NOT be accepted;
- Valid passport plus 1 copy of the page with photograph and expiration date. The passport or travel document must be valid at least three months after the visa expiration date. Please make sure the passport has at least two blank pages to affix the visa;
- For Non-US citizens: original and copy of Permanent Residence Card OR other US immigration document allowing re-entry into the United States (e.g., valid long-term US visa, Advanced Parole, etc.);
- Copy of Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residence in the jurisdiction of this Consulate General. If you recently moved and have not updated your ID, you must submit another proof of current address (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, etc.);
- Copy of the Nulla Osta from Italy to be obtained by the competent Authority (see below the different visa tipologies for the documentation needed);
- Confirmed flight reservation;
- Visa fee (under Consular Fees on home page): (non refundable) in the form of Money Order or cashier’s check, payable to the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago, with applicant’s name and address as the remitter;
- Return envelope: required in the event that applicants cannot collect the passport with the visa in person. You must provide a pre-paid return envelope trackable (please keep a copy of the tracking number, you must be able to track it yourself). We reccomend using FedEx or UPS..
- Consent to send by mail
VISAS TIPOLOGIES
Professionals:
- declaration by the office authorized to issue needed certifications, licenses and authorisations, or to receive notices of registration of business activity, or by the Institution authorized to oversee professional associations;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- copy of the tax return for the previous year showing an income in the country of residence higher than the minimum level foreseen by the law for exemption from participation in health services contributions (€8,400);
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 90 days by the competent Italian Questura in the city where the applicant will reside (Main Police Station).
Business people, entrepreneurs, artisans:
- statement describing the parameters of the economic resources required to carry out the said business, commercial or artisan activity, issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the area in which the activity is to be carried out. These resources must not be less than three times the amount of the annual unemployment subsidy (about € 14,000);
- financial means in Italy sufficient to satisfy the requirements in the above declaration;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- copy of the tax return for the previous year showing an income in the country of residence higher than the minimum level foreseen by the law for exemption from participation in health services contributions (€8,400);
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 6 months by the competent Italian Questura in the city where the applicant will reside (Main Police Station).
Sport persons and athletes:
- Declaration of consent by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) on behalf of the applicant issued to the competent Italian Diplomatic/Consular Representation, indicating the athlete’s personal data, sport practiced, and the name and address of the Italian Sport Association. This statement must be accompanied by the “nulla osta” (entry clearance) of the Italian Questura (main Police Station) issued within the previous 90 days.
Partners and consultants in Italian firms:
- Certification of enrollment in the Business Registry of the firm, which must have been operating for at least three years;
- statement from the legal representative of the firm ensuring compensation above the minimum level established by law for exemption from healthcare expenses (€8,400);
- copy of the budget deposited at the Business Registry for Ltd Companies, or copy of the latest tax return for firms constituted by individual persons, from which it can be ascertained that earnings or income are sufficient to guarantee compensation of the applicant;
- copy of the declaration of responsibility already sent by the Italian contract provider (or by the legal representative thereof) to the competent “Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro – Servizio Ispezione del Lavoro” indicating that, in virtue of the contract stipulated, the applicant will not be employed as an employed worker;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 90 days by the competent Italian Questura in the city where the applicant will reside (Main Police Station).
Entertainment industry personnel:
- Contract with the original signature of the holder of the license to operate, or impresario or legal representative thereof, ensuring the self-employed person compensation higher then the minimum level foreseen by the law for exemption from participation in health services contributions (€8,400);
- appropriate professional documentation, issued by competent Authorities and validated by the Italian Consulate, certifying the legal right of said Authority to issue said documentation;
- certification of the firm’s enrollment in the Business Registry;
- copy of the budget deposited at the Business Registry for Ltd Companies, or copy of the latest tax return for firms constituted by individual persons, from which it can be ascertained that earnings or income are sufficient to guarantee compensation of the applicant;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- copy of the declaration of responsibility already sent by the Italian contract provider (or by the legal representative thereof) to the competent “Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro – Servizio Ispezione del Lavoro” indicating that, in virtue of the contract stipulated, the applicant will not be employed as an employed worker;
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 90 days by the competent Italian Questura in the city where the applicant will reside (Main Police Station).
Managers or highly qualified employees of companies based in Italy or with branches in Italy, or of branch offices of foreign companies headquartered in a member country of the World Trade Organization, or managers of main offices in Italy of Italian firms or firms of another EU member:
- Certification issued by the competent “Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro – Servizio Politiche del Lavoro” that the contract does not constitute subordinate employment;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 120 days by the competent Italian Questura (main Police Station).
University language lecturers, university professors and researchers intending to teach or carry out paid research activities in Italian universities or educational or research Institutes, translators and interpreters:
- Certification issued by the competent “Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro – Servizio Politiche del Lavoro” that the contract does not constitute subordinate employment;
- availability of suitable lodgings to be proven according to one of the following means:
- rental lease or ownership deed;
- declaration by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy stating that he/she has made available suitable lodgings that fulfill the minimum requirements foreseen by regional legislation for public housing;
- “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued within the previous 120 days by the competent Italian Questura (main Police Station).
Please note: This Consulate General reserves the right to request further documentation.